Pioneer Pete is going Hog Wild!
UA Northark will celebrate its new affiliation with the University of Arkansas System with a free community Hog Wild Picnic on Friday, Oct. 23, at 11:30 a.m. at the Bill Baker Amphitheatre on the south campus. The event is open to the public, and the entire community is invited to come celebrate this exciting new chapter for UA Northark.
The celebration will showcase how the affiliation with the University of Arkansas System is creating new opportunities for students and families thorough out the region, including new opportunities to earn bachelor’s degrees while staying close to home.
The program will begin at 11:30 a.m. with current and former UA Northark students sharing their experience and highlighting how the University of Arkansas System affiliation has benefited them. Attendees will hear directly from students who have earned the Arkansas Transfer Achievement Scholarship to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, as well as students currently pursuing bachelor’s degrees through UA System universities while living and working in the Harrison area.
“Having the University of Arkansas System right here with us opens doors for our students that were once much farther away, said Chancellor Rick Massengale. “This celebration is an opportunity for our community to see firsthand how the affiliation is expanding educational opportunities and helping local students reach their goals without having to leave home.”
Following the program, Pioneer Pete will host a Hog-Wild Picnic, featuring complimentary pulled pork sandwiches and all the fixings for those in attendance.
The 2026 Skills Day for local high school students will be occurring on campus at the same time. UA Northark industry partners will be participating in the picnic, and the college will offer tours of the Center for Manufacturing Innovation (CRMI) at 1:00 pm. for those who are interested.
Representatives from partnering University of Arkansas System institutions will also be available throughout the event to answer questions and share information about new and expanded educational opportunities available to local students and community members.
“We want people to come hungry, have some fun and, most importantly, learn what the UA Northark affiliations means for them and their families,” said Massengale. “This is a celebration or the entire community.”
The picnic will conclude at 1:30 p.m.
In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be moved indoors to the JPH Conference Room.